Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Facilities

Located on the second floor of the Pomerantz Family Pavilion, the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Institute is designed to address the distinctive needs of our patients. Each service provides a separate waiting area and consultation rooms that reflect the various subspecialties of otolaryngology. These include:

Otology/Neurotology

The Otology/Neurotology service is equipped with ceiling-mounted microscopes designed to promote the most accurate assessment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear. The clinic also has nine sound-treated booths that allow audiologists to conduct diagnostic hearing tests, auditory brainstem response testing on children, and cochlear implant programming. For patients with chronic hearing loss, the clinic boasts a Hearing Aid Center, which can provide assistive listening devices. Patients suffering from balance problems can be evaluated in the balance disorder and vestibular rehabilitation clinic, using electronystagmography, rotary chair, and posturography testing.

Oncology/Laryngology

Advanced fiber optic imaging technology allows our oncologists to make the best clinical assessment of patients with tumors in the larynx, oral cavity, or oropharynx. Patients who have undergone laryngeal surgery or have swallowing or voice disorders are seen in state-of-the-art laryngeal imaging rooms in collaboration with the Speech and Swallowing Service. The voice clinic also sees professional voice patients for vocal fold nodules and other disorders affecting speech or voice quality.

Pediatric Otolaryngology

In an effort to alleviate the fear that many children experience when visiting the doctor, each pediatric consultation room is equipped with children’s toys and there is a fish tank in the waiting room.

UI Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Facial Nerve Center

The center is designed as a “clinic within a clinic” in order to streamline the patient experience and offer a more private waiting room. Patients now have access to a broad range of treatment options that include rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose), facial rejuvenation (facelifts, browlifts, eyelid surgery, skin resurfacing), otoplasty (reshaping the ears), Restylane® and Botox®, skin cancer reconstruction, microtia surgery, and facial nerve disorder treatments.

Surgi-Center and Minor Room

For most minor cases, or those only requiring local anesthetic, the department has access to its own minor room and surgi-center. Biopsies, laser treatments, laceration repair and minor excisions may be performed on an outpatient basis, significantly reducing patient wait times for surgery.

Conference Room

Supporting the mission of education is the 100-seat conference room. This serves the needs of ongoing clinical conferences throughout the year, including the annual Head and Neck Oncology Conference. The conference room is equipped with a full media suite, microscope, and teleconferencing.